New pedestrian bridge opens as "Gateway to Macon"

The new pedestrian bridge at Mercer University had a grand opening Thursday / Evan Watson (WGXA)

MACON, Ga. -- A new pedestrian bridge on Mercer's campus had a grand opening on Thursday.

The bridge hangs over Mercer University Drive and is known as the New Gateway to Macon to many students.

"This bridge kind of serves as the gateway to downtown and also the gateway to the stadium and to new student living," said Mercer Student Body President Elizabeth McKay.

The bridge allows students to have a safe walk to class. Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Larry Schlesinger said the bridge will become a signature place that anyone who visits Middle Georgia will want to see.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was planned for Mercer football's season opener. The band, mascots, cheerleaders and even the mayor were on hand for the big reveal.

"Bringing Mercer and Macon closer together - what I always say is you can't have Mercer without Macon and you can't have Macon without Mercer,"McKay said. "And that's what you're seeing here today with this bridge."

The bridge even has lights that glow orange and black when Mercer wins games.

Mercer, Macon-Bibb County, and the Lofts at Mercer Landing all helped pay for the bridge.